Santa Cruz, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- City Ordinance
- None - aircraft noise not in SCMC 9.36
- State Code
- Cal. Pub. Util. Code 21669
- Primary Authority
- FAA (federal preemption)
Summary
No Santa Cruz-specific ordinance directly regulates aircraft noise in flight; such regulation is federally preempted by the FAA, and California PUC 21669 sets airport noise standards administered by Caltrans.
21669. The department shall adopt noise standards governing the operation of aircraft and aircraft engines for airports operating under a valid permit issued by the department to an extent not prohibited by federal law. The standards shall be based upon two principal factors: (a) The level of noise acceptable to a reasonable person residing in the vicinity of the airport. (b) The relationship of such noise levels to the public health, welfare, and safety; the use and enjoyment of property; and the public interest in the operation and use of airports for the air transportation needs of the people of the state.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The City of Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 9.36 governs ground-based offensive noise and does not regulate aircraft overflight noise. Regulation of aircraft in flight is preempted by federal law under the Federal Aviation Act and the Noise Control Act, leaving the FAA with exclusive control over flight operations and aircraft noise emissions. At the state level, California Public Utilities Code 21669 directs the California Department of Transportation (Division of Aeronautics) to adopt noise standards governing the operation of aircraft and aircraft engines for state-permitted airports, 'to an extent not prohibited by federal law,' based on the level of noise acceptable to a reasonable person residing near the airport. Local jurisdictions retain limited authority only as airport proprietors. Accordingly, aircraft noise complaints in Santa Cruz are addressed through the FAA and Caltrans Aeronautics, not the city noise ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Not addressed by city ordinance; enforcement of aircraft noise standards rests with the FAA and, for state-permitted airports, the California Department of Transportation under PUC 21669.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Santa Cruz have an aircraft noise ordinance?
Where do I report aircraft noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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